We didn’t have much time to cover the most popular Italian icons in Rome, Pisa, and Florence so we had to be fast. I wanted to see all the landmarks in Italy that take your breath away and leave your soul wanting more. If you are looking for a fast-track itinerary to see the best Italian icons Italy has to offer you’ve come to the right place.
What famous icon is located in Italy?
There is more to Italy than Rome, Pisa, and Florence and you will find popular Italian icons littered all over the country. It shouldn’t even be a question of are there any special landmarks in Italy? Thousands! In Venice, you have the Grand Canal and in Sicily the Valley of the Temples. Let’s not forget Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast in Positano. Or the Roman Arena in Verona and the Castel del Monte in Puglia.
But that’s not what this post is all about. You can find these landmarks on any blog. This article is focused on the most popular Italian icons in Rome, Pisa, and Florence. A trip you could do in a day if you want fast.
What are some things Italy is famous for?
Of course, I’m going to see the below popular Italian icons. Some of the world’s most famous landmarks exist in Italy. But Italy is also famous for incredible Italian food, simple pizza, classic pasta, rich tiramisu, creamy gelato. Italy is also famous for hand gestures, you’ll find yourself using your hands a lot more. It’s famous for art, music, sport. And let’s not forget scooters and cars.
What are the nine cultural icons that Italy has given to the world?
Did you even know this was a thing? I didn’t, but the list includes, but is not limited to:
- Flag of Italy.
- Capitoline Wolf.
- SPQR, Aquila.
- Lion of Saint Mark.
- Giuseppe Garibaldi.
- Michelangelo’s David.
- Raphael’s The School of Athens.
- Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
Some you may find in our cities, some you won’t. But I digress. Back to our popular Italian icons in Rome, Pisa, and Florence.
Popular Italian icons while Roaming Rome
Possibly the most famous city of them all in Italy. We flew into Rome just over 1 day before our Mediterranean cruise started in Civitavecchia on the East coast. We had just finished an intense 17 days in Turkey and I had considered a relaxing day in a resort hotel at Civitavecchia.
But then I received an invite to a food tour in Rome, and I never say no to food. After the food tour the kids were tired, but knowing this would be the only chance I’d get to explore Rome with kids, I decided they would need to push through.
Guess what is the most visited building in Italy? The most popular icon in Italy? The Colosseum. Its huge expanse is incredible and a must-see. Just watch out for the curse of the scaffolding. It happened in Athens at the Acropolis, here in Rome at the Colosseum and Arch of Constantine, and the Pisa Cathedral, just to name a few.
After a quick look around the outside of the Colosseum, we took a walk to the Trevi Fountain, where you can drink from the fountain and become a virgin again. And took a breather on the seriously stunning Spanish Steps.
What is the oldest monument in Italy? Right next to the Colosseum, visit The Pantheon. The Pantheon is the oldest building in the world that’s still in use today. Since the 7th century, it has been a Roman Catholic church. Built around 125 A.D. by the Roman emperor Publius Aelius Hadrianus.
We ended the day jumping on the train for the 75-minute drive back to Civitavecchia and our one-night stay before the next day’s cruise. Above I included a map for you to do all three Italian cities in one day if you please, or in a few days spread out as we did.
If you want to spend more time in Rome, check out this handy Rome travel guide.
Click here if you are looking for Rome Museum Tickets.
Popular Italian icons in Picturesque Pisa
What famous icon is in Italy? You cannot visit Italy without stopping at Pisa for one of the most popular Italian icons ever, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. We were on our way to Florence but made a brief stop in Pisa after our cruise during our 18 day Mediterranean Coast road trip.
We drove straight to the tower and pulled the Europe lease car over on the side of the road, I jumped out and grabbed a few photos before jumping back in the car and continuing to France. The whole visit lasted no more than 15 minutes. Now that’s fast.
I have since been back and discovered many other beautiful Italian landmarks within Pisa, but if you are looking for those popular Italian icons to cover in one day, let’s keep moving.
Popular Italian icons in Fabulous Florence
On our first afternoon in Florence, I met my mum and dad and we simply just walked around town. Famous landmarks to look out for on a Florence walk are the statues in the packed Piazza Della Signoria. It’s here you won’t find the original “David” but you will find Michelangelo’s famous “David” draft.
A short walk from the Piazza is the illustrious Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, otherwise known as Duomo. It is hard to describe the magnificence of the architecture of this building. It’s so ornate and intricate, yet so huge. The Church is free to look at so we decided to go inside. I had a sleeveless top on and rented a €1.50 poncho to cover my shoulders.
Click here if you are looking for Florence Museum Tickets.
It wouldn’t be Europe without a carousel, so the grandparents spoiled my kids yet again with the endless days of merry-go-rounds. You’ll see in my things to do in France with kids they did a lot of carousels.
Florence is such a beautiful city and there is so much to see and do. The pedestrian walkways were very smooth which made my job pushing the stroller so much easier. But as you would expect, most things are relatively expensive. Not that this dampened our Florence foray and our hankering for genuine Italian gelato, the most scrumptious of all breaks.
I had booked the magnificent Villa San Michele, and spent the majority of my time in the hotel. However on my second day I booked a babysitter and enjoyed dinner with my parents. I remember the meal was not memorable at all, except the 1kg Florentine steak (2 pounds, 3 ounces) my Dad ordered.
After dinner we watched the sunset over the river, standing on the middle of a popular icon in Italy, the Ponte Vecchio – a famous, yet small, bridge spanning the Arno River with historic buildings still standing on it to this day, mostly housing jewelry. This popular Italian icon is nicknamed the “Golden Bridge” because of the high price of the jewelry. If you value your money I’d shop for your gold elsewhere.
Italy flew by way to fast for my liking, but I hope you can see how easy and quick it is to visit some pretty impressive and popular Italian icons in Rome, Pisa and Florence. If you have more time, consider using a 2 day Rome itinerary.
If you don’t have a car you can book a great tour that covers all three cities in one day. Check the prices here.
I have since been back to Italy three times to explore and it’s one of my most favourite countries in the world. I hope you love it as much as I do, with or without time.
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